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Jeremy Goldberg, a marine biologist coordinating in American Samoa, documents his Tsunami story

By: Sherri Karp

Living a life dedicated to ideals while pursuing new lands and cultures, Jeremy Goldberg lives to experience.  He is fueled by an adventurous, nomad lifestyle that leaches on to all things unique and interesting.  But unique and interesting is astonishingly relative as his latest experience was a Tsunami in American Samoa.

As a marine biologist for the Coral Reed Advisory Group, he knew the tell tale signs of a looming Tsunami.  After an 8.0 earthquake and a rapidly retreating ocean, Goldberg new that tragedy was over the horizon.  Running to high ground he escaped the brunt of the ravenous waves, but more than 30 locals weren’t as lucky.

Goldberg urges people to visit www.redcross.org to give to victims of the recent natural disaster.

For pictures and more insight, visit Jeremy’s personal blog at: www.chasingmylife.blogspot.com

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Sheri Karp on October 20th, 2009

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Do You BOGOPOD™?

By: Sher Hann

In this age of tweeting, texting and chatting, there is a new verb in town: BOGOPOD. In a nutshell, BOGOPOD is a free service for consumers in Ventura County, the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles that provides bi-weekly alerts via e-mail and social media channels – Twitter, MySpace and Facebook – on deals and promotions from area merchants.

At BOGOPOD.com you can find hundreds of tempting offers from more than 125 local merchants. For example, at Bruegger’s Bagels in Agoura Hills you can receive three free bagels. “BOGOPODING” at Cosmos Grill in Calabasas will give you 50% off an entrée.

For local merchants and service providers, BOGOPOD provides feedback on the effectiveness of their promotions.  BOGOPOD’s patent-pending technology tracks how many customers have viewed, clicked, printed and redeemed merchants’ coupon offers, as well as where those customers are coming from. The cost to the merchants and service provides, according to Bay, is  around $150 to $200 a month.

BOGOPOD offers one additional benefit to merchants and consumers alike: It’s a “green” form of promotion.

The brainchild of longtime Oak Park resident David Bay and his business partner, Adam Leff, of Newbury Park, “Buy One Get One Plus Other Discounts” is primarily local. But the concept is transportable. “Our plans are to expand regionally and then nationally,” Bay says.  “Right now our hands are full with Ventura County, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles and Portland. We will be entering Seattle in the next month.”

So the next time you step out the door, step up to your computer first and print out your BOGOPOD coupons to help stretch your dollar and your shopping experience.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Sher Hann on October 16th, 2009

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At only 15, Abby plans to sail around the world

By: Rob Jordan

Wasn’t it just a few months ago that Zac Sunderland of Thousand Oaks became the youngest person (17) to sail solo around the world? Now his younger sister Abby wants to break his record!

Abby doesn’t have a driver’s license yet, and can’t drive to the mall, but she can sail around the world on her own? Sounds crazy. She’s picked a “safer” route around Cape Horn at the tip of  South America, and thinks she can avoid pirates on her journey which will take six or seven months if she does not stop.

But this is all depends on her landing a major sponsor and securing an Open 40 sailboat designed for fast cruising.  If that happens in a timely manner, she will begin in November.  She turns 16 on Oct. 19 and plans a nonstop, unassisted voyage that’s expected to last about six months.

Let’s keep her in our thoughts and prayers!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Rob Jordan on October 14th, 2009

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It’s that time of year

By: Mickey Nathans

It is generally accepted that Calabasas means pumpkin, squash or gourd, derived from the Spanish, “Calabaza.”  Whatever the derivation of Calabasas, the city is proud of its unique name and every October, the city hosts a pumpkin festival to celebrate fall, the local wares, and talents of Calabasas merchants and of course, the pumpkin for which Calabasas was named.

This year the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival will be held on October 17th and 18th from 10:00am to 5:00pm at Juan Bautista de Anza Park.  There is free festival admission, parking and shuttles.  There are ride tickets available at the site.  Also available for purchase are kewelry and other craft items, food and beer.  There will be children’s craft projects, balloons and face painting.

A professional pumpkin carving will take place as well as pie tastings. Come join in the fun and festivities for the entire family and celebrate the season in Calabasas at this special hometown event.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Mickey Nathans on October 12th, 2009

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Local cities host flu shot clinic

By: Rob Jordan

The 5 local cities of Agoura, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Malibu and Westlake Village are sponsoring a drive-thru flu shot clinic on Saturday, November 14th. Citizens who meet the age and vaccine guidelines will receive the appropriate flu vaccine(s.) Details are still being worked out, but save the date and check your local newspapers such as the Acorn for details.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Rob Jordan on October 12th, 2009

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2009 Inaugural Sherwood Concours d’ Elegance, October 10-11, 2009

By: Karen Crystal

The inaugural Sherwood Concours d’ Elegance is taking place at one of Ventura County’s premier venues, Sherwood Country Club.  This Saturday and Sunday, the two-day event will showcase rare automobile collectibles.  Thousands of enthusiasts and collectors will flock to gawk at these stunning classics and observe the 6th Annual Clara Barton Awards, celebrated on October 10.  A unique gala dinner will launch the 2 day event and recognizing outstanding, selfless women from throughout the region.

This years show hosts 23 classes judged by prominent public figures, renowned car collectors and athletes.  All proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross of Ventura County.  For more information, call Maria Sanchez at the American Red Cross at 805-987-1514 x311.

When visiting there are two lovely hotels:

Four Seasons: 1066_hotel-info_h38950.html

Hyatt Westlake Plaza: 1066_hotel-info_h4712.html

Sherwood Country Club:  www.sherwoodcc.com

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Karen Crystal on October 8th, 2009

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From tomatoes to tamales, pearls to persimmons, pomegranates to Pacific salmon – find it all in one place.  Where else but the farmers’ market?

By Sher Hann

OAK PARK – This is a small, intimate neighborhood affair, like an over-grown fruit stand really (but alas, no sales by the peck or bushel, as I remember from my youth in Adams County, PA). It is held on Saturday mornings from 9:00 until 1:00 in the parking lot of the shopping center housing Starbuck’s and Beau Image.

This past weekend, to the tune of a folk-rock singer remembering “Yesterday,” I easily filed my way through the two aisles to find my favorites – a quick 20-minute trip. This market is small enough that I can survey all the stalls first, then return for my four or five chosen items.

WESTLAKE VILLAGE recently opened its farmers’ market in the parking lot by Bauducco’s and Yozen Frogurt. Much larger than Oak Park’s market, this affair holds court from 10 until 2 on Sundays. With my husband in tow this past Sunday, I lingered over strawberries, gluten-free chocolate almond pastry, roses for $7 a dozen, tomatoes, ears of corn and red bell peppers. The orchids, which I resisted this time, were freckled and speckled and yellow and peach and orchid (of course) and purple and white – amazing specimens for amazingly low prices.

The proliferation of farmer’s markets in the Conejo echoes a national trend. According to the Farmers Market Coalition’s web site, there were approximately 1,755 farmers markets in the United States in 1994. In 2009 there are almost 4,900, attracting more than  3 million consumers and more than 60,000 farmer-merchants annually. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates these neighborhood markets generate $1.2 billion in consumer spending a year.

So the next time you’re in the mood for John Dory or jujubu, drop by your local farmer’s market in Oak Park or Westlake Village.  For more information visit, Best Farmer\’s Markets In LA

Posted by Sher Hann on October 6th, 2009

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Say goodby to Sushi Ko restaurant (we’ll miss you)  and say hello to Nate and Al’s.

By Rob Jordan

Beverly Hills deli (owned by the Mendelson family) ready to expand to it’s 2nd location. Their first restaurant has been in operation since 1945.

The city of Thousand Oaks is excited about the new arrival.   At the Lakes, there are some very popular restaurants: PF Changs, a big whopping ClaimJumper, and California Pizza Kitchen, plus a Brighton and other high end boutiques. My observation of late is there are lots of people sunning themselves in the Summer, and skating in the Winter, but not shopping up a storm in any season.

The Conejo Valley already has several big name delis: Agoura Famous Deli, Pickles, Brents, local haunt Jacks, and Roxy’s.  Lets hope Nate and Al get a very positive reception, they have a reputation that deserves it.

To learn more visit, Nate and Al\’s Deli

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Rob Jordan on October 4th, 2009

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“NEW FOX SPORTS GRILL… Not a Home Run yet, but at least a Triple!”

By: Rob Jordan

Wednesday night is date night. Has been for 17 years. Time for us to get away from work, the kids, homework, and the stress of the day.  So we go out for dinner and conversation.

On Wednesday, we tried the new Fox Sports Grill in Westlake. It’s a hit in the making.

We arrived about 6 and a smiling pair of hostesses greeted us and sat us in the bar area.

Right away you’ll notice the multitude of  flatscreens on the outside walls and 2 big overhead projection TVs which dominate the bar.  Our drink order was taken right away. They have enough specialty drinks to make it interesting, and a straight-forward beer and  wine selection. We were considering appetizers when a nice fellow sat  down at the table next to us and said “you gotta have the home-made fried chips, topped with blue cheese, tomatoes, bacon and secret sauce.” Sounded good to us!

This “guy” next to us turned out to be Gary Allen, one of the owners, and his wife Robin. What a nice couple! So for the next hour or so we chatted a bit with these two “financiers”, and got to know the place.

Business is booming! It’s standing room only on big game nights, and come early to get your favorite seat. Weekends are packed, and they’re going through cases of wine faster than the rep can deliver! There’s no recession in Westlake Village, at least when it  comes to dining out. The Fox Sports Grill appeals broadly. It’s not  an “over the top” sports bar,  with memorabilia all over  the place; it’s a nice bar and restaurant with a sports flavor. I think I heard some scuttlebutt about basketball greats Kevin Garnett and Shaq either coming, going, had been seen there, or something like that. So there is a buzz about the place. It’s possible that the local high school games will end up on  the big screens there. At a minimum Gary hopes that the restaurant will become a before or after the game hangout, for locals and visiting teams alike.

This place is a hit. You can come and hang out at the bar and watch your favorite team. Be prepared for noisy males yelling and cheering. But there are loads of tables for families, and the patio looks very inviting, with it’s own tables, sofas and cushy chairs and that cool fire thing. The menu is varied. The prices are reasonable. What’s not to like?

Fox Sport Grill. On Lindero Canyon, between the freeway and Costco.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Rob Jordan on September 24th, 2009

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The problem with placing your coveted automobile in the hands of a car wash is…

By: Tom Geiser

well, it’s risky. Who knows how many scratches, dents or stains your brand new Benz will sustain when letting your baby go into the pit of brushes, soap squirter’s and other alien tools that are designed to “clean” your car. What happened to a classic hand wash? None of us have time to wash cars ourselves and, frankly, few of us want to. That’s probably why the artisans at Lavaggio created a business model after “The Art of Auto Detail.”

No more dings, micro scratches or water stains – just detailing, pure and simple. On Saturday September 26th from 11am to 5pm, these guru car detailer’s are rocking the casbah with a grand opening celebration. Rock music, BBQ, raffles, exotic car display – you name it, it’s there.

Check it out at:

30205 Canwood St.

Agoura Hills, Ca 91301

818 584-3204

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Posted by Tom Geiser on September 18th, 2009

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